Japanese word

間接

Pronunciation

Romajikansetsu

Meaning

  • nounindirectness

Example

その情報は間接に伝わります。so no jō hō wa kan setsu ni tsuta wa ri ma su

The information is conveyed indirectly.

Illustration for 間接 (indirectness)

More examples

その情報は、友人を通じて間接に伝わりました。so no jō hō wa yū jin o tsū ji te kan setsu ni tsuta wa ri ma shi ta

That information was conveyed indirectly through a friend.

Core concept

Describes a way of conveying or reaching something without taking the most direct path.

Common phrases

  • 間接を好むkan setsu o kono mu

    prefer indirectness

  • 間接に伝えるkan setsu ni tsuta e ru

    convey indirectly

Similar words

遠回しtōmawashi: An indirect way of expressing something without stating it plainly.
婉曲enkyoku: A mild way of expressing something that might sound harsh or too direct.
迂回ukai: A route or method that reaches a goal by taking a less direct path.

Definition in Japanese

直接に相手や目的に向かわず、別のものを介して伝えたり働きかけたりする性質。choku setsu ni ai te ya moku teki ni mu ka wa zu betsu no mo no o kai shi te tsuta e ta ri hatara ki ka ke ta ri su ru sei shitsu

Word origin

間接 (kan setsu) combines 間 (kan, "interval") and 接 (setsu, "touch"), expressing a connection that does not occur directly.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese conversation, indirectness often appears through softened wording and contextual hints rather than explicit statements.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word